Museum Talk: At the Center: Ohio & Presidency presented by Chris Blubaugh

Ohio has always been central to the nation’s history. In the 19th century, several Ohioans were nominated for and won the presidency. After helping the Union win the Civil War, Ohio Presidents were called upon again to serve the nation and preserve the gains of the recent conflict. This lecture focuses on presidential campaigns in the 19th and early 20th centuries involving Ohio candidates and how they won the presidency. Chris Blubaugh is a former History Professor at Edison State Community College and Ohio Dominican University. He has taught courses in U.S. History, Western Civilization, and World History. His current interests are, but not limited to, 19th- and 20th-century U.S. History, more specifically, military history, U.S. foreign policy, and political history with an emphasis on the American presidency. Chris co-authored an article with Dr. Benjamin T. Arrington: “Was James Garfield Really a ‘Dark Horse’ in 1880?” Published in the Fall 2025 issue of the Middle West Review. He holds a Master’s Degree from Bowling Green State University, where the thesis research focused on President James K. Polk’s domestic and foreign policies. Chris currently works for the America 250-Ohio Commission. Museum Talks are free for all visitors